Canadian cabs: Kaslo vs Athabasca? More questions...

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Anyone had any experience with these cabs? Which one is better? I built the Athabasca kit years ago and was really impressed with the looks, but it needed some work at the rear of the cab as it was intended for a very wide body (Bachmann SD40-2 maybe?).

The Kaslo kit is twice the price, and resin generally isn't as sharp as etched brass.

I'm looking to build a Guilford GP40-2.

[BCOL 747]

Hi Dan

I have found that the Kaslo cab fits both the Atlas GP40 and GP40-2 very well. It even comes with the extra parts such as separate window frames, anti-climber, step guards, bell, sunshades and a nice set of snow shields. In fact I used it for my CN GP40-2W conversion which is the subject of a future article in N Scale Magazine.

Chris

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Thanks Chris. One more question...

Does the Kaslo kit come with new pilot steps too? I know CN loved those 5 step ladders.

And if not, does this part include the steps, or just the pilot face?
NP-02 CN Diesel Roadswitcher Pilot

[central.vermont]

I'm not sure of the answer about the Kaslo steps but I do know that Miniatures by Eric has steps.
His part # is NS-7
http://www.miniaturesbyeric.com/itmidx8.htm



Jon

[Scottl]

I've used both and prefer the Kaslo.  While the window openings are a little less sharp due to the casting, I found the edges of the nose where the Athabasca brass needs to be put together resulted in edges that were too square and did not mimic the slight rounding of the prototype. 

[Scottl]

Forgot to add that the Kaslo fits the Atlas GP40 body shell nicely.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Scott, that was going to be my next question. The GP40 hood is closer to the GMD prototype than the Atlas GP40-2 hood correct?

[BCOL 747]

Dan

No steps included in the Kaslo kit, just the pilot face. As Jon pointed out Miniatures by Eric provide the correct steps (NS-7) although I have found them difficult to install. I have left them off on the last few conversions.

I have built several of the GP40-2’s and used both the Atlas GP40 and GP40-2 long hoods. The GP40 is a better starting point. It has the correct older style “rear intake screens. The Atlas GP40-2 has the newer style grills.

Hope this helps

Chris 

[Scottl]

Sorry Daniel, I'm not sure which GP40 model is the best match.  Chris probably has it right.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Right now the plan is to use the GP40 hood with the Atlas GP38-2 walkway and handrails. Looking at photos of CN GP40-2W hoods compaired to some Rock Island non-DB GP40s, it seems the radiators, exhaust, doors and air ducts line up well. The walkway duct is too short by one compartment door on the GP40, wich means I would need the GP38/40-2 walkway.

Years ago, I started on this project and was about 80% done when I ruined the model. Don't remember how exactly, but I remember it could not be saved and I took my rage out on it with a rubber mallet. Its the only time I smashed something I built.

I think enough time has passsed to make another go of it.

[Philip H]

I have both as well - the Kaslo sits nearly perfectly on the Atlas body, while the Athabasca seems to be better suited for both Bachmann and some Kato. All the Mineatures by Eric parts are well done as well, so if you do the two together you should have a great loco.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

I just had a wild thought. Has anyone tried using the IMRC SD40-2W shell? That would include the cab, window glass, bell, horns and 5 step pilots with handrails that could be grafted onto a GP40 hool and GP38-2 walkway.

Also, does anyone have spare GP40 and GP38-2 parts? Atlas's store has been offline for a week.

[BCOL 747]

Dan

I looked at doing that conversion a few months back but it appears that the Intermountain cab is just a little too wide for the Atlas deck assembly. (Within millimetres)  I haven’t tried it on the GP38-2 but possibly with a little work you may be able to get the GP40 hood to fit the Intermountain deck. I found it was going to be less work with the Kaslo cab and Atlas loco.

 Just in case anyone asks the Intermountain cab appears to be too wide for the Kato SD40-2, but I think that has been discussed here before.

Chris 

[flight2000]

Also, does anyone have spare GP40 and GP38-2 parts? Atlas's store has been offline for a week.

Atlas should be back up later this week.  Paul G. mentioned in another topic (maybe on another forum) that they are closed for their annual inventory.  I need to order some parts from them as well, so just buying time working other projects right now.  I forgot they go through this every year...

Brian

[FEC Railway]

why not order the correct long hood from M4D?